Nature of the Work. The Air Taxi or Charter Pilot flies
fare-paying passengers "anywhere-any time" but usually for short trips
over varying routes in single-engine or light twin-engine planes. Working
Conditions. These pilots fly passengers and cargo as service demands, but
normally in daylight hours if the aircraft is a single-engine plane. Flights
are mostly of short duration and pilots can count on returning home at
the end of the working day. If the pilot works for a company with a fleet
of aircraft, she or he may fly on regular schedules over the same routes,
much like a small airline. Pilots may be required to wear a uniform when
on duty.

Where The Jobs Are. Air taxi operators are located at major airports
and at other airports where sufficient passenger traffic can be generated.
Interline agreements with airlines account for a substantial part of air
taxi business, therefore operators are frequently located at airports having
airline service.
Opportunities for Advancement. As is the case with the flight instructor,
the air taxi pilot can build up enough flight experience in a relatively
short time to qualify for the position of corporate pilot or air transport
co-pilot.

If the pilot elects to remain
in the air taxi and charter business, he or she may generate enough business to
offer "commuter airline service" or scheduled service over specified routes
similar to the operation of a small airline. Air taxi and commuter operators claim the fastest
rate of growth among all segments of general aviation. This growth reflects
the increase in airline travel and the increased use of air taxis to "fly
all the way" from any of the more than 400 airports served by the airlines
to the remaining 14,000 airports in communities without airline service.
Many airlines have agreements with air taxi companies to promote the use
of air taxi service to airports not served by the airline and to issue
through tickets. It also reflects a growing desire by the air traveler
to by-pass crowded metropolitan streets and use air taxis to reach destinations
in outlying areas rather than rented cars.

Since the Airline Deregulation Act was passed in 1978, there has been
rapid growth in the air taxi and commuter industry. As the major airlines
abandon unprofitable route segments, air taxi and commuter services move
in to continue the necessary air service. Also, the U.S. Postal Service's
practice of contracting with air taxi operators to deliver mail will further
increase scheduled air taxi business. Given the present rate of expansion
in this field, the need for air taxi and commuter pilots will continue
to grow at a high rate.